Grey Water

Water that has been used for baths, showers, washing, but not flushed from toilets. Grey water can be considered for re-use around the base of plants, although it may need treating beforehand by filtering through sand, reedbeds or the like, especially where there is a relatively high concentration of cleaning material residues. If grey water is to be used on lawns, then it should be treated to ensure the water quality will not harm the grass leaves.

Varying the application of grey water with collected rainwater or potable water may be more desirable and have less of a negative effect on plant growth then relying totally on grey water use during hot summer months. A thorough soaking and flush of the soil to help dilute and prevent the build-up of undesirable salts within a soil from applying grey water on a regular basis is also often a desirable course of action to take.

Grey water can also be diluted with collected rainwater to further make it more suitable for application to plants. The main aims of reusing grey water are to reduce the demand for fresh potable water, save money, reduce the quantity of water going into the drainage system for treatment by the water authorities, and protect the available reserves of drinking water.